Ciprofloxacin-Gliclazide Interaction — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

Correct answer: E — Warn about dysglycaemia and monitor blood glucose closely during and shortly after fluoroquinolone treatment with toxicity review

The best answer is “Warn about dysglycaemia and monitor blood glucose closely during and shortly after fluoroquinolone treatment with toxicity review”. Fluoroquinolones can cause serious hypo- or hyperglycaemia, with greater risk in people receiving glucose-lowering medicines. “Assume ciprofloxacin can only raise glucose and never lower it” is less appropriate because it conflicts with the clinical discriminator or cited guidance. “Assume sulfonylureas have no clinically relevant interaction with fluoroquinolone-associated dysglycaemia” is less appropriate because it conflicts with the clinical discriminator or cited guidance. “Switch diabetic treatment permanently without glucose assessment” is less appropriate because it conflicts with the clinical discriminator or cited guidance. “Increase gliclazide because it accelerates ciprofloxacin clearance” is less appropriate because it conflicts with the clinical discriminator or cited guidance.

Reference: MHRA fluoroquinolone restrictions and precautions: https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/fluoroquinolone-antibiotics-must-now-only-be-prescribed-when-other-commonly-recommended-antibiotics-are-inappropriate